Because this year's Cup Match concert scene is so intense, there seems to be more celebrities than usual milling around our small Island.

While hanging out at Dub City Records yesterday afternoon, The Royal Gazette bumped into two of the musicians scheduled to perform tonight -- reggae artists Sanchez and Fred Locks -- who both agreed to an impromptu interview.

Fred Locks has been recording since 1967 when he first came out with a group called The Lyrics.

He went solo in the 70s with the single "Black Star Liner'' -- a song which hit the top of the charts and is now considered a classic -- and he later recorded an album by the same name.

"This is my first visit to Bermuda, but it seems that album paved the way for me here. I've made a lot of friends since I've been here, especially Rastafarians who can relate to my music.

"Bermuda's people are very hospitable and very nice. I've just come from London, and they didn't put my bags on the flight. .. people in Bermuda have bought me new clothes and didn't even want any money for it,'' he added.

Fred Locks said fans can expect a strong performance, and he plans to perform hits such as "True Rasta Man'', "I've Got A Joy'', "Singalong'' and of course the mega-hit "Black Star Liner''.

The artist said his music is deeply rooted in his spirituality, although he also tries to create music that everyone can relate to.

"I'm inspired by Jah, and I have a mixture of music... I sing about reality, too,'' he noted.

"Everyone should do what they do best. What keeps me going is that (creating music) is what I know... If you have a talent and you bury it, you'll lose it,'' he added.

Fred Locks said he just completed a CD called "Never Give Up'' which is appearing on the Xterminator label -- the same label that carries reggae sensation Sizzla.

"`Never Give Up' is the title track of the album and it's also been released as a single. It's been out less that a year, but it's getting a lot of visibility and people over here know it already,'' he said.

Fred Locks said he'll be on the road after the Bermuda concert and will be heading to England to do a few shows.

And he expects his new album, entitled "Keep on Trying'', to be released in September.

Thirty-two-year-old reggae artist Sanchez, known for smooth ballads such as "Lady in Red'' and "Brown Eye Girl'' is also a singer very much in touch with his religious roots.

Sanchez, who was born Kevin Jackson, is the son of a Jamaican evangelist who encouraged him to join the church as a youngster.

His Christian upbringing is reflected in his music, and the singer plans to release a gospel album in the next few days called "Who Is This Man''.

This is his third time to Bermuda, and he told his fans to "just expect the best from Sanchez'' at tonight's show.

"I'll be performing some of my old songs and touching two songs from my gospel album which is three days away from being released,'' he said.

"My most recent album, "True Identity'', is sorta different from my previous music -- some of the songs have more of a dancehall feel.'' Sanchez said he tries to cultivate a positive message through his music which he hopes will reach a broad audience.

"I can see my music going to all the houses -- I see it resting on the hearts of kids and on their lips as well. A lot of Christians listen to my songs even if it's not gospel, so you can see my music is going places -- good places,'' he said.

"The music is coming from my heritage, my `brought-upsy' -- my mom is an evangelist, everyone else in my family is Christian-minded, and I've always loved to do music for my fans to absorb.'' Sanchez said he plans to do a tribute to the late great reggae singer Dennis Brown who died earlier this month.

"Dennis Brown was an inspiration to me -- even on my "True Identity'' album I do a cover of his song "Make It Easy'','' he noted.

"Dennis Brown was living five houses away from me in Forest Hill Gardens, and even the day before he died he walked past my house... it was the last time I saw him and he was always pleasant,'' he added.

For more information about the concert, see the article on this page.

Fred Locks: Plans to perform hits such as "True Rasta Man'' and "I've Got A Joy''.